Videotaped versus live instruction in demonstrating evaluation skills to occupational therapy students

This study compared the effectiveness of videotaped and live instruction in demonstrating a developmental evaluation to occupational therapy students. Twenty-three students were randomly assigned to either the videotape or the live instruction group. While the videotape group watched a 25-minute commercially available videotape demonstrating the Milani-Comparetti Motor Development Screening Test, the live group received the same information from an instructor. A written examination that assessed student knowledge of the purpose and procedures of the evaluation tool served as the pretest and posttest. After the posttest, the students were asked to answer questions regarding their learning experience. Results indicated no difference in test scores between the two groups. Although both groups rated the learning experience as good, all students stated a preference for live over videotaped instruction because of the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the instructor. These findings suggest that although videotaped instruction may be an effective teaching method, there may be ways to enhance student satisfaction with its use.